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DessertSnackSauce

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a rich, creamy, and sweet caramel-like sauce made by slowly cooking milk and sugar. This traditional Argentinian confection is perfect for spreading on toast, filling pastries, or enjoying straight from the spoon.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
3 hr 5 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
229 kcal
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VegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Dulce de Leche

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 960 mlwhole milk
  • 200 ggranulated sugar
  • 0.5 tspbaking soda
  • 1 tspvanilla extract(optional)

Equipment

glass jar · wooden spoon · large heavy-bottomed pot

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, and baking soda in a large, heavy-bottomed pot.

    Cook’s note: Ensure the pot is large enough to prevent boiling over, as the milk will expand.

  2. 2

    Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

    About 5 min

  3. 3

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and maintain a very gentle simmer. Do not cover the pot.

    Cook’s note: The key is a slow, steady simmer; too high heat will scorch the milk.

  4. 4

    Continue to simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring frequently, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking and burning.

    About 2 hr

    Cook’s note: The mixture will gradually thicken and turn a rich caramel color. Scrape the bottom and sides often.

  5. 5

    The dulce de leche is ready when it has thickened to a consistency similar to condensed milk and coats the back of a spoon.

    Cook’s note: Keep in mind it will thicken further as it cools.

  6. 6

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.

  7. 7

    Pour the dulce de leche into a clean glass jar and let it cool completely to room temperature.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: Stir it occasionally as it cools to achieve a smoother texture.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
228.6kcal
Protein
5.1g
Carbs
40.9g
Fat
5.3g
Sugar
40.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store the dulce de leche in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently warm in a microwave or a saucepan over low heat, stirring until desired consistency.

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